What you need to know when booking a gorilla trekking tour?
As a client you may be wondering what you really have to know when booking a gorilla trekking tour, this may be a pre gorilla preparation guideline or a pre gorilla trip booking guidelines. At One More Adventure Safaris, we shall share with you, a number of factors and reasons to consider towards securing your gorilla trekking trip, we only advise and you make the decision.
A number of concerns has to be taken into consideration, before making your mind up on which gorilla trekking tour to book and why. Things like gorilla permit prices for every country, tour operator to consider, lodges to use, number of days required, type of vehicles to use, age group, visas, fitness level and medical condition. Let’s explore these options together, and see the best way to prepare yourself for booking a gorilla trekking safari to Africa
Below are some of the guidelines on book your gorilla trekking tour
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Country to do the gorilla trekking experience
Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo are three of the East African countries, and the only countries in the world where one can see mountain gorillas. Uganda has half of the world mountain gorilla population in the parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, while Rwanda has mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo has mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park. All the three countries have habituated gorilla families that are constantly visited by tourists who wish to see these gentle giants in their natural habitats. Rwanda and Uganda are famous for gorilla trekking with both countries safari, unlike their counterpart DR Congo, whose political turmoil has always put the situation at standstill.
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Security and safety
Visitors have to put their safety first when it comes to travelling miles away from their families. Rwanda and Uganda have been proven safe for years, and clients have always done gorilla trekking without any issue. Congo however has faced some challenges to do with rebel groups that has made the park to often experience closure due to safety and security concerns
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Gorilla permit prices
As one travels, budget is very important, of which one has to trek in a region within their plan travel budget. The cost for a gorilla permit in Uganda is 800$ per person, in Rwanda 1500$ per person while in DR Congo, 500$ per person
Plan accordingly where your budget falls, however, the experience is almost the same. Booking gorilla permits early in advance, will greatly assist your trip to go as per planned dates, due to securing the permits in advance, as they are based on first come first serve basis.
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Tour Operator.
After considering all factors constant, now you zero down who to use for booking your gorilla trekking tour with. When it comes to which tour operator to pick out of the seas of tour operators, a number of reasons are looked at, including local DMC company, trip reviews, company legitimacy, social media posts, as well as doing a background check from past clients. Do not be overwhelmed with only reviews as some companies have fake reviews these days. Take good note on the trip package, type of accommodations proposed, vehicles to be used, inclusion and exclusion on the tour. From the first point of communication, you will know that you’re dealing with the right tour operator. At One More Adventure Safaris, our wealth of knowledge and experience are our currencies and we are happy to tailor your gorilla trekking request to the best of your interest.
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Accommodation
There are a number of lodge options, ranging from budget, mid – range and luxury lodges, for your comfort, each offering a certain level of service and comfort, alongside the price effect. Speak to your tour operator who will advise you accordingly of which lodge to consider.
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Number of days
Depending on your budget and interest, the number of days you require for a gorilla trip varies. In case you’re adding other experiences, like wildlife safaris, local cultural experiences, hiking and other primate experience, the number of days may stretch, but your tour operator, will advise accordingly
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Visa
Each country has its own visa policy, however Rwanda offers visa both online and upon arrival and you can obtain an East Africa visa that allows you access Uganda and Kenya in addition to Rwanda. For Uganda and DR Congo you will need to apply for a visa in advance, your local travel organization, ‘One More Adventure Safaris’ can assist you with visa arrangement.
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Combined tour
You can freely combine Uganda, Rwanda and DRC on a single trip and be able to visit both countries for your gorilla trip, or arrive through Rwanda and trek in either DRC or Uganda.
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Fitness level and medication condition
Please make sure that you are in good shape and able to hike. Where you’re not good enough to hike, there are porters with carriers who will assist you to get to the gorillas at a small fee.
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The safari package
In regards to all the said package, it all lies on the tour operator, you end up choosing, who will advise accordingly, assigning the best safari vehicles for the trip, winning good deals from the lodges and updating you with the security concerns. Keep a keen eye on the inclusions and exclusions that may ruin the tour at the end.
Book your trip with One More Adventure Safaris, and seat back, relax and wait to pack your back to Africa for a memorable gorilla trekking experience, combined with wildlife adventure. Let’s be your gateway, to the African adventure
